Page 18 of Head Over Wheels
I grab my towel and wipe off some of my glaze. My Hydro Flask is almost empty, but I tip it right back to get the last sip. The class is milling out when Raj catches my eye.
“Hey, nice to see you in here, Ella. Did you enjoy the class?”
I’m still struggling to believe that all these Elevate instructors actually know my name.
“Yeah, it was super fun. You looked like you were enjoying some of those ten percent inclines a little too much though.” I wag my finger at him.
Raj lets out a loud laugh, and several people turn to look at us. “You’re not supposed to notice that.” He grabs his bag and follows me out of the room. “Last night was a vibe, eh? Are you going to join us again tonight?”
My jaw actually drops open. Raj wants me to come out with them again? “Uh, are you going to the same place?”
“Yeah, we’ll probably start off at the bar where we bumped into you and go from there.” He’s standing still now, waiting for my reply. We’re outside the classroom, and Jeff is there waiting for me. He gives a little wave when I make eye contact. I turn my attention back to Raj.
“I’ll probably come with some friends again, if that’s okay?”
He rubs his hands together. “Sounds like a plan. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”
I turn around and immediately bump into Jeff. “Oh! I didn’t see you there, sorry.”
Jeff puts his hands out to steady me. “Nah, that’s on me. I was just coming over to give you this.” He passes me a coffee cup.
I raise an eyebrow. “What is it?”
“I know how much you like your lattes, so I thought I’d surprise you. I hope that’s okay…” He rubs the back of his neck.
“Yes, of course. Thanks! Where’s yours?” I can’t help but notice he didn’t bring one for himself.
“I had one earlier, just wanted to make sure you got your fix.” His cheeks flush a little at his admission.
I think about the time, realizing it’s probably a little late for me to be drinking caffeine, but I never say no to a latte. And now that I’m supposed to be going out, it can only help. “This is super thoughtful, Jeff. Thanks.”
It’s a little weird that he was waiting for me outside my class again. I’m pretty sure I told him to meet me in the lobby. Oh well, he must have just been excited to bring me a coffee, which is really sweet. Before I can give it any more thought, Tara and Lisa walk up. They’re both glowy and looking pumped.
“Hey, girls! What class are you coming from?”
“We took Jace’s strength class. That boy is fine.” Lisa fans herself.
“I think you mean he teaches an excellent strength class, Lisa,” Tara points out sternly.
“Sure, that too.”
Lisa’s grin is infectious, and soon we’re all giggling. Well, everyone except for Jeff who looks a little strained.
Lisa picks up on this and calls him on it. “You don’t enjoy Jace’s classes, Jeff?”
I’m looking around, hoping Jace isn’t nearby listening to this conversation. Thankfully, we’re the only ones in the hallway right now.
“Nah, he’s fine,” Jeff agrees weakly.
Tara changes the subject, probably to bail him out of this awkward topic. “Ella, that coffee is a brilliant idea. Where did you get it?”
I look over to Jeff. Now his smile becomes more genuine, and it’s obvious he’s on more comfortable ground. “I got it at the lobby cafe at the hotel.”
Tara turns to Lisa, “Want to go get one before our last class?”
Lisa nods vigorously. “That is just the pick-me-up that I need to keep my energy going. Do you two want to join us?”
“No thanks, we’re good,” Jeff answers right when I say, “Yes, sure!”